Orienspace Targets IPO and Reusable Gravity-2 Expansion
Chinese commercial launch firm Orienspace has secured multi-million dollar pre-C funding to accelerate development of its reusable Gravity-2 rocket while initiating the IPO coaching process.
Terminal Access: Launch Sector Update
According to SpaceNews, Chinese commercial launch startup Orienspace has initiated preparations for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) while closing a pre-C funding round valued at several hundred million yuan. The capital injection—supported by institutional investors including Vertex Capital, Shanghai STVC, and AVIC Honghua—is designated for the rapid development of the Gravity-2 reusable launch vehicle.
Hardware Specification: Gravity-2
The Gravity-2 platform represents a critical evolution in China's commercial lift capabilities. Standing 70 meters tall with a 4.2-meter diameter, the two-stage liquid-propellant rocket utilizes nine Force-110 kerosene-liquid oxygen engines. Performance parameters are as follows:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 21,500 kg (expended) / 17,000 kg (recovered).
- Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO): 15,000 kg (expended) / 11,900 kg (recovered).
Strategic Trajectory
Orienspace aims to achieve a debut launch for Gravity-2 as early as Q4 2024, shifting forward from a previous 2025 target. This acceleration aligns with China's broader objective to deploy national megaconstellations. Following its successful third launch of the solid-fueled Gravity-1 rocket from a sea platform in July, the firm is now restructuring its shareholding to list on Shanghai’s technology-focused STAR Market.
Founded in 2020, Orienspace has raised over 1.7 billion yuan to date. The company joins a competitive cohort of domestic rivals—including LandSpace and Galactic Energy—vying for market dominance under favorable state policies for high-tech industrial expansion.